Recently, the residents at Thistle Court Care Home (who are fondly referred to as ‘family members’) attended a special performance by Bois Y Bryn, an all-male Welsh shanty band. The band have previously been featured on BBC One and have performed all over Wales, and will be performing in the upcoming Newport Shanty & Folk Festival.
Music and music therapy can support practically everyone, including those living with a Dementia, and can help with engagement, aid in communication, and improve mood. Music can also assist with cognitive stimulation, especially for familiar songs or ones that have a steady rhythm and beat such as sea shanties. Music doesn’t just have a positive effect mentally, but it can also help with physical wellbeing, being proven to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and even be able to help manage pain levels.
Family members at Thistle Court thoroughly enjoyed the visit and it had a positive effect, especially for one family member Ethel, who was engaged and told a team member “wow I love them” – Racheal the team member said this was poignant because it can “sometimes take many different types of activities to comfort Ethel, but she was engaged straight away and it was visible how much she was enjoying it”. Equally, a family member named Joy enjoyed it so much that she told a member of the team “quick, they’re going, let’s go with them – they’re great!” when the band was packing up to leave.
Thistle Court Care Home is based in Cwmbran, Wales. The home’s approach to life recognises the values, beliefs and identity of each person. Each person that may need support is unique and by understanding one’s life history, one’s journey in life, by striving to be a true continuation of home, the team at Thistle Court Home create a place where everyone feels safe and never alone.
To find out more about Thistle Court Care Home visit: https://thistlecourtcarehome.com/